Logging and Lumber Equipment Key Terms

Learn the lingo associated with logging and lumber equipment

By Catherine Ryan

Whether you own a logging company or lumber mill, it's important to become knowledgeable about the key terms associated with logging and lumber equipment. When it comes time to order new equipment or have a machine fixed, you will have to equip yourself and your team with the right terminology in order to get exactly what your business needs.

Make sure to learn the following terms: log skidder, arch, heel boom, debarker, delimber, and cant hook.

Log skidder

A log skidder is a piece of equipment, similar to a landmover, that drags cut logs from forests to sites, called landings, where they can be loaded onto logging trucks.
Try: VanNattaBros provides an in-depth definition of a skidder along with in-depth descriptions and photos of different types of skidders.

Arch

An arch is the framework on the trailer of a logging truck that is used to suspend the ends of skidded logs and trees when they are loaded onto the truck.
Try: The glossary on OSHA's website defines arch and several other logging equipment terms.

Heel boom

A heel boom is a loading boom that uses tongs or grapples to lift one end of a log toward the boom in order to stabilize it. Most heel booms use hydraulic systems.
Try: Read the definition of heel boom in Central Oregon Community College's logging terminology glossary. The site can also provide you with a wide array of other logging term definitions.

Debarker

A debarker is a piece of equipment that uses metal blades to remove the bark from a cut log. There are four main types of debarkers: ring, drum, Rosser head and flail.
Try: Learn all about debarkers, and what makes each type different, at the International Online Expos website.

Delimber

A delimber is a piece of equipment that feeds trees into the body of a machine where the limbs are removed and the log is cut to size.
Try: Stripper Manufacturing can provide you with all of the information you need to know about delimbers.

Cant hook

A cant hook is a simple and traditional logging tool that has a long wooden handle with a metal hook at the end. It is used to move around smaller logs.
Try: Go to Petersons Global Sales website to read the definition of cant hook and other related logging and lumber terms.